Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
1. With the Gupta period India entered upon the classical phase of sculpture. By the efforts of the centuries, techniques of art were perfected, definite types were evolved, and ideals of beauty were formulated with precision. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: New Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
Archaeologist Debala Mitra has published a monograph on the iconography of Gupta sculpture.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about how Gupta period marked a classical phase in sculptural art and its major features.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by mentioning that progress in sculpture reached new heights during the Gupta era.
Body:
Write about the various features of Gupta sculpture – intelligent grasp of the true aims and essential principles of art, a highly developed aesthetic sense and masterly execution by skilled hands, remarkable images, amalgamation of various schools etc. Cite examples of the various works produced during it.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
